Composite and methods of making and using the same

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are composites as well as methods of making these composites. The composite may, for example, be used as light-weight, high-strength structural members and wall panels. In some embodiments, the composites can be prepared from a light-weight assembly using simple procedures. Also disclosed herein are assemblies for preparing the composites.

BACKGROUND

In areas of conflict or disaster, it is often necessary to providetemporary housing structures for affected individuals. Tents, mobilehomes, etc. may be used to provide the necessary temporary housing.However, tents may not provide sufficient strength or safety forlonger-term use. Meanwhile, mobile homes often require significantstorage space, which may not be near the regions of conflict ordisaster; therefore it may take an extended amount of time to transportthe mobile homes to the affected regions.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments disclosed herein include a method of making acomposite. The method can include providing a plurality of layers,applying water to the plurality of layers; and curing a resin in thelayers to form the composite. In some embodiments, each layer includes afabric sheet, the resin fixed to the fabric sheet, and awater-expandable polymer disposed along portions of each layer. In someembodiments, each layer is fixed to an adjacent layer at regionsdisposed between the portions of each layer having the water-expandablepolymer.

In some embodiments, the method includes drying the plurality of layers.

In some embodiments, the method includes applying an ionic solution tothe plurality of layers.

In some embodiments, curing the resin comprises applying heat,radiation, or water to the resin.

In some embodiments, a volume of the water-expandable polymer afterapplying the water is at least about 10 times greater than a volume ofthe water expandable polymer before applying the water.

In some embodiments, the regions of each layer fixed to an adjacentlayer include an adhesive layer disposed between the adjacent layers. Insome embodiments, the regions of each layer fixed to an adjacent layercomprise one or more fasteners.

In some embodiments, each layer comprises a plurality of tubularstructures. In some embodiments, the water-expandable polymer isdisposed within one or more lumens of the tubular structures.

In some embodiments, the regions of each layer fixed to an adjacentlayer are located at repeating intervals. In some embodiments, therepeating interval is no more than about 800 mm. In some embodiments,the repeating interval is at least about 20 mm.

In some embodiments, each layer has a thickness of no more than about 20mm. In some embodiments, each layer has a thickness of at least about0.5 mm.

In some embodiments, the fabric sheet includes woven fabric. In someembodiments, the fabric sheet includes non-woven fabric. In someembodiments, the fabric sheet includes fibers including a materialselected from cellulose, acryls, a protein, glass, aramids, polyesters,resins, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the resin fixedto the fabric sheet comprises a polymer having a hydroxyl group and apolymer having an isocyanate group.

In some embodiments, each layer includes at least about 20 of theportions of the water-expandable polymer.

Some embodiments disclosed herein include a composite prepared accordingto any of the methods disclosed in the present application.

Some embodiments disclosed herein include a composite. The composite caninclude a plurality of layers. In some embodiments, each layer includesa cured resin fixed to a fabric sheet. In some embodiments, adjacentlayers of the plurality of layers are fixed together at regions disposedbetween the adjacent layers. The composite can include a plurality oflumens disposed between the adjacent layers.

In some embodiments, the regions of the adjacent layers fixed togethercomprise an adhesive layer disposed between the adjacent layers. In someembodiments, the regions of the adjacent layers fixed together compriseone or more fasteners.

In some embodiments, each layer comprises a plurality of tubularstructures.

In some embodiments, the regions of the adjacent layers fixed togetherare located at repeating intervals. In some embodiments, the repeatinginterval is no more than about 800 mm. In some embodiments, therepeating interval is at least about 20 mm.

In some embodiments, each layer has a thickness of no more than about 20mm. In some embodiments, each layer has a thickness of at least about0.5 mm.

In some embodiments, the fabric sheet includes woven fabric. In someembodiments, the fabric sheet includes non-woven fabric.

In some embodiments, the fabric sheet includes fibers including amaterial selected from cellulose, acryls, a protein, glass, aramids,polyesters, resins, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the cured resin is cured by applying heat,radiation, or water. In some embodiments, the cured resin includes acrosslink that includes a urethane.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the plurality of lumens is atleast partially filled with a resin or concrete.

In some embodiments, the plurality of lumens contain a water-expandableresin.

In some embodiments, a number of lumens in the composite relative to anumber of layers in the composite is at least about 20 to 1.

Some embodiments disclosed herein include an assembly. In someembodiments, the assembly can include a plurality of layers. In someembodiments, the assembly can include a resin fixed to a fabric sheet.In some environments, the assembly can include a water-expandable resindisposed along portions of each layer. In some embodiments, each layeris fixed to an adjacent layer at regions disposed between the portionsof each layer having the water-expandable resin.

In some embodiments, the assembly is disposed in a water-impermeablepackaging.

In some embodiments, the water-expandable polymer is configured toexpand at least 10 times by volume when water is applied.

In some embodiments, the resin fixed to the fabric sheet is configuredto be cured by applying heat, radiation, or water to the resin.

In some embodiments, each layer comprises a plurality of tubularstructures. In some embodiments, the water-expandable polymer isdisposed within one or more lumens of the tubular structures.

In some embodiments, the regions of each layer fixed to an adjacentlayer comprise an adhesive layer disposed between the adjacent layers.In some embodiments, the regions of each layer fixed to an adjacentlayer comprise one or more fasteners.

In some embodiments, the regions of each layer fixed to an adjacentlayer are located at repeating intervals along each layer. In someembodiments, the repeating interval is no more than about 800 mm. Insome embodiments, the repeating interval is at least about 20 mm.

In some embodiments, each layer has a thickness of no more than about 20mm. In some embodiments, each layer has a thickness of at least about0.5 mm.

In some embodiments, the fabric sheet includes woven fabric. In someembodiments, the fabric sheet includes non-woven fabric.

In some embodiments, the fabric sheet includes fibers including amaterial selected from cellulose, acryls, a protein, glass, aramids,polyesters, resins, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the resin fixed to the fabric sheet comprises apolymer having a hydroxyl group and a polymer having an isocyanategroup.

In some embodiments, each layer includes at least about 20 of theportions of water-expandable polymer extending along each layer.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be inany way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments,and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and featureswill become apparent by reference to the drawings and the followingdetailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a method ofmaking a composite.

FIG. 2A is a depiction of a side view of an illustrative embodiment of asheet that can be included in an assembly.

FIG. 2B is a depiction of a top view of an illustrative embodiment of asheet that can be included in an assembly.

FIG. 3A is a depiction of a side view of an illustrative embodiment of asheet that can be included in an assembly.

FIG. 3B is a depiction of a top view of an illustrative embodiment of asheet that can be included in an assembly.

FIG. 4 is a depiction of a side view of an illustrative embodiment of asheet that can be included in an assembly.

FIG. 5 is a depiction of an illustrative embodiment of an assembly.

FIG. 6 is a depiction of an illustrative embodiment of an assembly.

FIG. 7 is a depiction of an illustrative embodiment of an assembly afterbeing exposed to an aqueous solution.

FIG. 8 is a depiction of an illustrative embodiment of an assembly afterbeing exposed to an aqueous solution.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of thepresent disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated inthe Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, anddesigned in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which areexplicitly contemplated herein.

Disclosed herein are composites as well as methods of making thesecomposites. A composite may, for example, be used as light-weight,high-strength structural members and wall panels. In some embodiments,the composites can be prepared from a light-weight assembly using simpleprocedures. Also disclosed herein are assemblies for preparing thecomposites.

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram that depicts some embodiments of a method ofmaking a composite. The method of making the composite may include: anoperation “Provide an assembly,” illustrated in block 100, an operation“Apply water to the assembly,” illustrated in block 110, and anoperation “Cure the assembly,” illustrated in block 120. Althoughoperations 100, 110 and 120 may be performed sequentially, it will beappreciated that one or more of these operations may be performed atabout the same time. These operations may also be performed in adifferent order than is depicted in FIG. 1.

At operation 100 “Provide an assembly,” an assembly is provided forforming the composite. In some embodiments, the assembly can include amultiple number of sheets. FIG. 2A depicts a side view of someembodiments of sheet 200 that may be included in the assembly. Asdepicted, sheet 200 includes a substrate 210, adhesive regions 220, andwater-absorbent polymer regions 230. FIG. 2B is a top view of sheet 200.

The substrate of the sheet (e.g., substrate 210 in FIGS. 2A and 2B) may,in some embodiments, include a resin fixed to a fiber cloth. The fibercloth is not particularly limited and generally any type of fibers maybe used in the fiber cloth. The fiber cloth may include fibers having amaterial such as cellulose, acryls, a protein, glass, aramids,polyesters, resins, and combinations thereof. The fibers in the fibercloth are not limited to these materials, however. The fiber cloth may,for example, be a woven or a non-woven fiber cloth.

In some embodiments, the resin fixed to the fiber cloth is a curableresin. For example, the resin may be cured by applying water, heat orradiation to the resin. Various curable resins are known in the art andare within the scope of some embodiments. Examples of resins that may beconfigured to be curable include, but are not limited to, acrylics,epoxies, polyesters, polyamides, polyvinyls, polyurethanes, and thelike. In some embodiments, the resin includes a polymer having anisocyanate group and a hydroxyl. Without being bound to any particulartheory, isocyanate groups can react with hydroxyl groups in the presenceof water to crosslink the polymer. The resin may, for example, be awater-curable resin commonly used in medical casts, etc. In someembodiments, the resin is a polyurethane. Japanese Unexamined PatentApplication No. 2007-244856 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,455,294 provide examplesof water-curable resins that may be included in the resin. By includinga curable resin, the substrate of the sheet may be flexible beforecuring to form a more rigid structure.

The manner in which the resin is fixed to the fiber cloth is notparticularly limited. For example, the resin may be formed into a sheetthat is laminated to the fiber cloth. As another example, the resin canbe dip-coated or spray-coated onto the fiber cloth.

The adhesive regions of the sheet (e.g., adhesive regions 220 in FIGS.2A and 2B) are also not particularly limited and any known adhesive canbe used. The adhesive regions may, for example, include an epoxy or anacrylic. As detailed further below, the adhesive regions may fixtogether adjacent sheets in the assembly. Because other means for fixingthe sheets together are within the scope of the present application, theadhesive regions are, however, optional.

In some embodiments, the adhesive regions are disposed along portions ofthe substrate. The adhesive regions may, for example, be located atrepeating intervals along the substrate (e.g., as depicted in FIGS.2A-B). The repeating interval may, for example, be at least about 20 mm;at least about 50 mm; at least about 100 mm; at least about 150 mm; orat least about 200 mm. The repeating interval may, for example, no morethan about 800 mm; no more than about 600 mm; no more than about 400 mm;or no more than about 200 mm. In some embodiments, each of the adhesiveregions has about the same width.

In some embodiments, the repeating interval for the adhesive regions isat least about two times the width of the adhesive regions. In someembodiments, the repeating interval for the adhesive regions is at leastabout three times the width of the adhesive regions. In someembodiments, the repeating interval for the adhesive regions is at leastabout four times the width of the adhesive regions. In some embodiments,the repeating interval for the adhesive regions is no more than about 10times the width of the adhesive regions. In some embodiments, therepeating interval for the adhesive regions is no more than about eighttimes the width of the adhesive regions. In some embodiments, therepeating interval for the piece of regions is no more than about sixtimes the width of the adhesive regions. In some embodiments, therepeating interval for the case of regions is about four times the widthof the adhesive regions.

The number of adhesive regions in the sheet is not particularly limitedand can vary based on various factors, such as the size and strengthrequirements for the final composite. The sheet may include, forexample, at least about 5 adhesive regions; at least about 10 adhesiveregions; at least about 20 adhesive regions; at least about 50 adhesiveregions; or at least about 100 adhesive regions. The sheet may include,for example, no more than about 1000 adhesive regions; no more thanabout 800 adhesive regions; no more than about 500 adhesive regions; nomore than about 200 adhesive regions; or no more than about 100 adhesiveregions. In some embodiments the sheet can include from about fiveadhesive regions to about 1000 adhesive regions.

Water-absorbent polymer regions (e.g., water-absorbent polymer regions230 in FIGS. 2A and 2B) can include any polymer that exhibitssubstantial volume expansion when exposed to water. In some embodiments,the water-absorbent resin is configured to expand at least about 10times by volume when water is applied. In some embodiments, thewater-absorbent resin is configured to expand at least about 15 times byvolume when water is applied. In some embodiments, the water-absorbentresin is configured to expand at least about 20 times by volume whenwater is applied. In some embodiments, the water-absorbent polymer isconfigured to expand at least about 30 times by volume when water isapplied. Numerous water-absorbent polymers are known in the art and arewithin the scope of the present application. For example, sodiumpolyacrylates are commonly used to absorb liquids as much as about 200to about 300 times its mass. Other examples include, but are not limitedto, water-absorbent polymers disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,225,506,4,921,904, 5,563,218, and 6,335,398.

In some embodiments, the water-absorbent polymer regions are disposedalong portions of the substrate. The water-absorbent polymer regionsmay, for example, be located at repeating intervals along the substrate(e.g., as depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B). The repeating interval may, forexample, be at least about 20 mm; at least about 50 mm; at least about100 mm; at least about 150 mm; or at least about 200 mm. The repeatinginterval may, for example, be no more than about 800 mm; no more thanabout 600 mm; no more than about 400 mm; or no more than about 200 mm.In some embodiments, the water-absorbent polymer regions are interposedbetween the adhesive regions. In some embodiments, each of thewater-absorbent polymer regions is approximately equidistant betweenadjacent adhesive regions. In some embodiments, the repeating intervalfor the water-absorbent polymer regions is about the same as therepeating interval for the adhesive regions.

The number of water-absorbent polymer regions in the sheet is notparticularly limited and can vary based on various factors, such as thesize and strength requirements for the final composite. The sheet mayinclude, for example, at least about 5 water-absorbent polymer regions;at least about 10 water-absorbent polymer regions; at least about 20water-absorbent polymer regions; at least about 50 water-absorbentpolymer regions; or at least about 100 water-absorbent polymer regions.The sheet may include, for example, no more than about 1000water-absorbent polymer regions; no more than about 800 water-absorbentpolymer regions; no more than about 500 water-absorbent polymer regions;no more than about 200 water-absorbent polymer regions; or no more thanabout 100 water-absorbent polymer regions. In some embodiments, thesheet can include from about five water-absorbent polymer regions toabout 1000 water-absorbent polymer regions. In some embodiments, thenumber of water-absorbent polymer regions in the sheet is about the sameas the number of adhesive regions.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict another embodiment of a sheet 300 that can beused to form the composite. As depicted, sheet 300 includes a substrate310 and water-absorbent polymer regions 320. Substrate 310 can begenerally the same as discussed above with respect to substrate 210 inFIGS. 2A and 2B. Similarly, water expandable polymer regions 320 can begenerally the same as those discussed above with respect towater-absorbent polymer regions 230 in FIGS. 2A and 2B. However, asdepicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the sheet does not include an adhesiveregion. In some embodiments, the sheet does not include one or moreadhesive regions. As will be discussed further below, each sheet can befixed to an adjacent sheet using one or more fasteners. In someembodiments, each sheet can be fixed to an adjacent sheet using bothadhesive regions and one or more fasteners. Other means for fixingadjacent sheets together are known in the art and within the scope ofthe certain embodiments.

FIG. 4 depicts another embodiment of a sheet 400 that can be used toform the composite. As depicted, sheet 400 includes multiple tubularstructures 410, lumens 420, adhesive regions 430, and water-absorbentpolymer regions 440. The multiple tubular structures may, for example,be a fiber cloth wrapped around one or more times to form a generallytubular shape having lumens 420. The fiber cloth may also be fixed to aresin. Both the fiber cloth and the resin can be, for example, any ofthose disclosed in the present application with respect to the layers inthe assembly (e.g., the same those described above with respect tosubstrate 210 depicted in FIG. 2 or substrate 310 depicted in FIG. 3).The multiple tubular structures 410 may be fixed together in sheet 400by multiple adhesive regions 430. However, other means for fixingtogether adjacent tubular structures are known in the art and within thescope of certain embodiments. For example, the tubular structures can befixed together by one or more fasteners (not shown). Water-absorbentpolymer regions 440 may be disposed within each of the lumens 420 in thetubular structures 410. The water-absorbent polymer may, for example, bethe same as those disclosed in the present application with respect tothe layers in the assembly (e.g., the same as those described above withrespect to adhesive regions 220 depicted in FIG. 2).

FIG. 5 depicts one example of an assembly 500 having a multiple numberof sheets that can be provided in operation 100 of FIG. 1. As depicted,assembly 500 includes multiple sheets 510, each of the sheets having amultiple number of adhesive regions 520 disposed along portions ofsheets 510. A multiple number of water-absorbent polymer regions 430 arealso disposed along portions of sheets 510. Adhesive regions 520 can begenerally same as those discussed above with respect to the sheets inthe assembly (e.g. adhesive regions 220 as depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B).Also, water-absorbent polymer regions 530 can be generally the same asthose discussed above with respect to the sheets in the assembly (e.g.water-absorbent polymer regions 230 as depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B).Sheets 510 are each fixed together by adhesive regions 520 whichcontacts opposing sides of two adjacent sheets. In some embodiments, theassembly is modular.

The thickness of each of the sheets in the assembly (e.g. sheets 510 asdepicted in FIG. 5) is not particularly limited. The thickness of eachof the sheets in the assembly can be, for example, at least about 0.5mm; at least about 1 mm; at least about 2 mm; at least about 5 mm; or atleast about 10 mm. The thickness of each of the sheets in the assemblycan be, for example, no more than about 20 mm; no more than about 15 mm;no more than about 10 mm; no more than about 5 mm; or no more than about3 mm. In some embodiments, each of the sheets in the assembly has athickness from about 0.5 mm to about 20 mm.

The number of sheets in the assembly is also not particularly limited.The number of sheets in the assembly can be, for example, at least about4 sheets; at least about 10 sheets; at least about 25 sheets; at leastabout 100 sheets; or at least about 200 sheets. The number of sheets inthe assembly can be, for example, no more than about 1000 sheets; nomore than about 500 sheets; no more than about 200 sheets; no more thanabout 100 sheets; or no more than about 50 sheets. In some embodiments,the number of sheets in the assembly is from about 4 sheets to about1000 sheets.

FIG. 6 depicts another embodiment of an assembly 600 having a multiplenumber of sheets that can be provided in operation 100 of FIG. 1. Asdepicted, assembly 600 can include multiple sheets 610, a multiplenumber of water-absorbent polymer regions 620, and a multiple number offasteners 630. Both sheets 610 and water-absorbent polymer regions 620can be generally the same as those discussed above with respect to FIG.5. However, assembly 600 includes a multiple number of fasteners 630which fix adjacent sheets together in the assembly. Non-limitingexamples of fasteners that may be used to fix together adjacent sheetsinclude rivets, screws, nails, and the like. As will be appreciated bythe skilled artisan, guided by the teachings in the present application,both fasteners and adhesive regions can be used in combination to fixtogether adjacent sheets in the assembly.

Returning to FIG. 1, operation 100 may be followed by operation 110. Atoperation 110 (“Apply water to the assembly”), water can be applied tothe assembly. The assembly can be, for example, any of those discussedabove (e.g. assembly 500 or assembly 600 as depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6,respectively). Without being bound to any particular theory, it isbelieved that applying water to the assembly can cause thewater-absorbent polymer to absorb water and expand in volume. Theexpanding polymer may increase the distance between regions in theadjacent sheets in the assembly, while portions of the sheets stillremain fixed together (e.g. portions fixed together by the adhesiveregions and/or fasteners). In some embodiments, the expanding polymerproduces lumens extending along portions of the assembly. In someembodiments, the lumens are located at repeating intervals in theassembly that corresponds to a repeating interval of the water-absorbentpolymer regions in the assembly.

FIG. 7 is one example of an assembly 700 after water has been applied tothe assembly. As depicted, assembly 700 includes a multiple number ofsheets 710 and a multiple number of water-absorbent polymer regions 720.Polymer 720 can be expanded due to the water that is absorbed. Sheets710 in the assembly are fixed together at various portions of sheets 710that face each other (adhesive regions or fasteners are not shown inFIG. 7). Thus, in some embodiments, applying water to the assembly mayresult in a honeycomb-like structure. In some embodiments, the structureof the assembly after applying water has a regular pattern (e.g.hexagonal pattern).

FIG. 8 is another example of an assembly 800 after water has beenapplied to the assembly. As depicted, assembly 800 includes a multiplenumber of sheets 810, a multiple number of tubular structures 820, andmultiple number of water-absorbent polymer regions 830. The multiplenumber of sheets 810 may, for example, be prepared by fixing together amultiple number of sheets 400 depicted in FIG. 4. Sheets 810 in theassembly are fixed together at various portions of sheets 810 that faceeach other (adhesive regions or fasteners are not shown in FIG. 7). Thewater-absorbent polymer regions 830 may be expanded due to the waterthat is absorbed. Thus, in some embodiments, applying water to theassembly may also result in a square lattice. Other lattice structuresare also possible and within the scope of certain embodiments, such as aparallelogrammic lattice, rectangular lattice, hexagonal lattice, or arhombic lattice.

The thickness of the assembly may, in some embodiments, increase afterapplying water to the assembly. The thickness of the assembly afterapplying water may, for example, increase at least about 50%; at leastabout 100%; at least about 150%; or at least about 200%.

Returning to FIG. 1, operation 110 may be followed by operation 120. Atoperation 120 (“Cure the assembly”), the assembly can be cured to obtaina rigid composite. In some embodiments, the resin fixed to the fibercloth in the sheet is cured. Various means for curing the assembly arewell-known in the art, and are not particularly limited. For example,the assembly can be cured by applying heat, radiation, or water to theassembly. As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, two or more ofthese curing methods may be applied either at about the same ordifferent times to obtain a rigid composite.

The method of curing the assembly will vary depending upon the materialsused in the assembly. For example, the resin in the fiber sheet may be awater-curable resin as discussed above. Thus, curing the assembly caninclude applying water to the assembly. When using a water-curableresin, operations 110 and 120 in FIG. 1 may occur at about the sametime. However, the disclosed methods may also include a separate curingoperation that occurs after applying water to the assembly. In someembodiments, the assembly can be cured by applying heat to the assembly.As an example, the assembly may include an epoxy that will cure whenapplying sufficient heat. In some embodiments, the assembly can be curedby applying radiation to the assembly. As an example, electron beamradiation, gamma radiation, or ultraviolet radiation can be applied tothe resin in the fiber cloth to cure the resin.

After operation 120, the cured assembly may be in a rigid state toobtain the composite. For example, the composite may be configured asshown in FIG. 7A or 7B in a substantially rigid form. Thus, in someembodiments, the lumens produced by the water-absorbent polymer regionswill remain even if the water-absorbent polymer regions are dried toremove the water therein.

Some of the methods disclosed herein may also include various otheroptional operations. As will be discussed further below, the assemblymay be provided in a water-impermeable packaging. Thus, for example, themethod may include removing the assembly from the water-impermeablepackaging. In some embodiments, the water-impermeable packaging can beopened and water added to the packaging while the assembly remains inthe packaging. The packaging may, in some embodiments, therefore serveas a container for immersing the assembly in water.

Various post-processing operations can also be included in the methodsof the present application. In some embodiments, the composite can bedried. By drying the composite, for example, the water-absorbent polymerregions may decrease in volume such that the lumens produced by thewater-absorbent polymer regions are generally empty. The composite canbe dried by any known method. For example, the composite can be dried byapplying heat or light. In some embodiments, an ionic solution (e.g.salt water) can be applied to remove water from the water-absorbentpolymer regions. Without being bound to any particular theory, it isbelieved that adding an ionic solution inhibits the water-absorbentpolymers' ability to absorb water.

In some embodiments, a reinforcing material can be added into the lumensof the composite after the water-absorbent polymer regions are dried.For example, concrete or resins can be added into these lumens toprovide further structural support. All or a portion of the lumens inthe composite can be filled with a reinforcing material.

The final composite can be used for building various structures that arenot particularly limited. In some embodiments, two or more of thecomposites can be assembled into a shelter or fence. For example, one ormore composite may be includes as wall panels in a structure (e.g.,shelter).

Some embodiments disclosed herein include a composite. The compositemay, for example, be produced by any of the methods described above(e.g. the method depicted in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the compositecan include a plurality of sheets. Each of the plurality of sheets mayinclude a cured resin fixed to a fiber cloth. The fiber cloth can be anyof those discussed above with respect to the substrate of the sheet inthe assembly (e.g. substrate 210 depicted in FIG. 1).

Similarly, the cured resin can be any of the resins discussed above withrespect to the substrate of the sheet in the assembly; however, theresin is in a cured state (e.g. after applying heat, radiation, or waterto cure the resin) and therefore substantially rigid. In someembodiments, the cured resin includes a cross-linked structure. As anexample, the cured resin may include a cross-linking group having aurethane. A urethane cross-linking group may be obtained, for example,by reacting a hydroxyl group with an isocyanate group in the presence ofwater.

Each of the sheets in the composite may, in some embodiments, be fixedtogether at regions disposed between adjacent sheets. For example,adjacent sheets may be fixed together by adhesive regions or fastenersas discussed above.

In some embodiments, adjacent sheets are fixed together at repeatingintervals. The repeating intervals may be the same as those discussedabove with respect to the assembly (e.g. assembly 200 depicted in FIGS.2A and 2B). The repeating interval may, for example, be at least about20 mm; at least about 50 mm; at least about 100 mm; at least about 150mm; or at least about 200 mm. The repeating interval may, for example,no more than about 800 mm; no more than about 600 mm; no more than about400 mm; or no more than about 200 mm. In some embodiments, the repeatinginterval is from about 20 mm to about 800 mm.

The thickness of the sheets in the composite is not limiting and may begenerally the same as those discussed above with respect to the assemblyused in some embodiments to form the composite. The thickness of each ofthe sheets in the composite can be, for example, at least about 0.5 mm;at least about 2 mm; at least about 5 mm; at least about 10 mm; or atleast about 20 mm. The thickness of each of the sheets in the compositecan be, for example, no more than about 60 mm; no more than about 20 mm;no more than about 15 mm; no more than about 10 mm; or no more thanabout 5 mm. In some embodiments, each of the sheets in the composite isabout 0.5 mm to about 60 mm thick.

The number of sheets in the composite is also not limiting. The numberof sheets in the composite can be, for example, at least about 4 sheets;at least about 10 sheets; at least about 25 sheets; at least about 100sheets; or at least about 200 sheets. The number of sheets in thecomposite can be, for example, no more than about 1000 sheets; no morethan about 500 sheets; no more than about 200 sheets; no more than about100 sheets; or no more than about 50 sheets. In some embodiments, thenumber of sheets in the composite is from about 4 sheets to about 1000sheets.

The composite may also include, in some embodiments, a plurality oflumens disposed between adjacent sheets in the composite. The lumensmay, for example, be formed by water-absorbent polymer regions that wereexposed to water (e.g. during operation 120 depicted in FIG. 1). Thus,in some embodiments, a water-absorbent polymer may be disposed withinone or more of the lumens. The water-absorbent polymer may be expandeddue to absorbed water, or may be dry.

The number of lumens in the composite may vary. The number of lumens inthe composite relative to the number of sheets in the composite may, forexample be at least about 20 to 1; at least about 40 to 1; at leastabout 50 to 1; or at least about 100 to 1. The number of lumens in thecomposite relative to the number of sheets in the composite may, forexample, be no more than about 1000 to 1; no more than about 500 to 1;no more than about 200 to 1; no more than about 100 to 1; or no morethan about 50 to 1. In some embodiments, a number of lumens in thecomposite relative to the number of sheets in the composite is fromabout 20:1 to about 1000:1.

Some embodiments disclosed herein include an assembly. The assembly may,for example, be used in a method for making a composite (e.g. the methoddepicted in FIG. 1). The assembly can be the same as any of thosediscussed above with respect to the method of making the composite.Thus, for example, FIGS. 5 and 6 depict some embodiments of theassembly.

In some embodiments, the assembly can include a plurality of sheets.Each sheet can include a resin fixed to a fiber sheet and awater-absorbent resin disposed along portions of each sheet. In someembodiments, each sheet is fixed to adjacent sheets at regions disposedbetween the portions of each sheet having the water-absorbent polymer.

As discussed above, the assembly may, in some embodiments, include awater-impermeable packaging to limit exposure of the assembly to water.This may prevent premature curing or expansion of the assembly. Theassembly may be removed from the water-impermeable packaging beforecuring, or as discussed above, the packaging may also serve as acontainer for immersing the assembly in water by simply adding waterinto the packaging.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of theappended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such anintent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one”or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articlesused to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specificnumber of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should beinterpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the barerecitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at leasttwo recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in thoseinstances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C,etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the senseone having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “asystem having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not belimited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and Btogether, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and Ctogether, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a constructionis intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understandthe convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” wouldinclude but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, Calone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those withinthe art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting twoor more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, ordrawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities ofincluding one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. Forexample, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include thepossibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are describedin terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individualmember or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and allpurposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, allranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subrangesand combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easilyrecognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range beingbroken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths,tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein canbe readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third,etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all languagesuch as “up to,” “at least,” and the like include the number recited andrefer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges asdiscussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in theart, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a grouphaving 1-3 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, agroup having 1-5 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells,and so forth.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various embodiments ofthe present disclosure have been described herein for purposes ofillustration, and that various modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intendedto be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by thefollowing claims.

The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particularembodiments described in this application, which are intended asillustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations canbe made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparentto those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods andapparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to thoseenumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from theforegoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intendedto fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosureis to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along withthe full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It isto be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particularmethods, reagents, compounds, compositions or biological systems, whichcan, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodimentsonly, and is not intended to be limiting.

1. A method of making a composite, comprising: providing a plurality oflayers, each layer comprising: a fabric sheet; a resin fixed to thefabric sheet; and a water-expandable polymer disposed along portions ofeach layer, wherein each layer is fixed to an adjacent layer at regionsdisposed between the portions of each layer having the water-expandablepolymer; applying water to the plurality of layers; and curing the resinto form the composite.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprisingdrying the plurality of layers.
 3. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising applying an ionic solution to the plurality of layers. 4.(canceled)
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein a volume of thewater-expandable polymer after applying the water is at least about 10times greater than a volume of the water expandable polymer beforeapplying the water.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the regions ofeach layer fixed to an adjacent layer comprise an adhesive layerdisposed between the adjacent layers.
 7. The method of claim 1, whereineach layer comprises a plurality of tubular structures.
 8. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the water-expandable polymer is disposed within thelumens of the tubular structures.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein theregions of each layer fixed to an adjacent layer comprise one or morefasteners.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the regions of each layerfixed to an adjacent layer are located at repeating intervals. 11.(canceled)
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the repeating interval isat least about 20 mm.
 13. (canceled)
 14. The method of claim 1, whereineach layer has a thickness of at least about 0.5 mm.
 15. (canceled) 16.(canceled)
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the fabric sheet comprisesfibers including a material selected from the group consisting ofcellulose, acryls, a protein, glass, aramids, polyesters, resins, andcombinations thereof.
 18. (canceled)
 19. The method of claim 1, whereineach layer comprises at least about 20 of the portions of thewater-expandable polymer.
 20. (canceled)
 21. A composite comprising: aplurality of layers, each layer comprising a cured resin fixed to afabric sheet, wherein adjacent layers of the plurality of layers arefixed together at regions disposed between the adjacent layers; and aplurality of lumens disposed between the adjacent layers, wherein theplurality of lumens contain a water-expandable resin.
 22. The compositeof claim 21, wherein the regions of the adjacent layers fixed togethercomprise an adhesive layer disposed between the adjacent layers.
 23. Thecomposite of claim 21, wherein the regions of the adjacent layers fixedtogether comprise one or more fasteners.
 24. The composite of claim 21,wherein each layer comprises a plurality of tubular structures.
 25. Thecomposite of claim 21, wherein the regions of the adjacent layers fixedtogether are located at repeating intervals.
 26. (canceled) 27.(canceled)
 28. (canceled)
 29. The composite of claim 21, wherein eachlayer has a thickness of at least about 0.5 mm.
 30. (canceled) 31.(canceled)
 32. The composite of claim 21, wherein the fabric sheetcomprises fibers including a material selected from the group consistingof cellulose, acryls, a protein, glass, aramids, polyesters, resins, andcombinations thereof.
 33. (canceled)
 34. (canceled)
 35. (canceled) 36.(canceled)
 37. The composite of claim 21, wherein a number of lumens inthe composite relative to a number of layers in the composite is atleast about 20 to
 1. 38. An assembly for forming a composite, theassembly comprising: a plurality of layers, each layer comprising: aresin fixed to a fabric sheet; and a water-expandable resin disposedalong portions of each layer, wherein each layer is fixed to an adjacentlayer at regions disposed between the portions of each layer having thewater-expandable resin.
 39. The assembly of claim 38, wherein theassembly is disposed in a water-impermeable packaging.
 40. The assemblyof claim 38, wherein each layer comprises a plurality of tubularstructures.
 41. (canceled)
 42. The assembly of claim 38, wherein thewater-expandable resin is configured to expand at least 10 times byvolume when water is applied.
 43. (canceled)
 44. (canceled)
 45. Theassembly of claim 38 , wherein the regions of each layer fixed to anadjacent layer comprise one or more fasteners.
 46. The assembly of claim38, wherein the regions of each layer fixed to an adjacent layer arelocated at repeating intervals along each layer.
 47. (canceled) 48.(canceled)
 49. (canceled)
 50. (canceled)
 51. (canceled)
 52. (canceled)53. (canceled)
 54. (canceled)
 55. The assembly of claim 38, wherein eachlayer comprises at least about 20 of the portions of water-expandableresin extending along each layer.